A MASSIVE multi-million pound plan to change the face of Canley in Coventry is revealed today.

Up to 700 homes would be built on huge swathes of lands in the area as part of a #13 million regeneration project.

About an eighth of all the green land in Canley would be lost under the scheme.

Most of the building would be on the former Sir Henry Parkes School and playing fields off Prior Deram Park, the large recreation ground opposite the school, and land near Gerard Avenue.

Other large areas earmarked for new homes elsewhere in Canley include land near Howcotte Green and on the former Alderman Harris School site, Charter Avenue.

Potential sites for further developments are identified on both sides of Charter Avenue at its junction with Mitchell Avenue.

The plans are the city council's latest proposals after putting out for public consultation three options on the Canley regeneration scheme.

The council says it wants to create a new heart for Canley, with community facilities on land at Donegal Close near Charter School, which replaced Henry Parkes and Alderman Harris schools.

Community facilities would include a library, medical building, social services team and neighbour-hood management office.

But the doctor's surgery in Prior Deram Walk a mile away, the existing library also in Prior Deram Walk and the community centre in Queen Margaret's Road, would be flattened for housing.

The Dolphin pub, in Sheriff Avenue would also be demolished for houses and another pub built nearby.

The changes include the demolition a four-storey block of flats, maisonettes and a row of eight houses in Donegal Close.

Carl Pearson, assistant director of regeneration services at Coventry City Council, said demolition of these properties would mean that other homes in Wendiburgh Street, Gerard Avenue and Mayors Croft, would not have to be knocked down.

That proposal caused an outcry among residents.

Mr Pearson said the new proposals involved building on more green space, as residents did not want their homes to be knocked down.

He said the new developments would use 12 of the 100 hectares of green space in Canley.

Other proposals include a youth centre at the new Midland Sports Centre; residents' parking schemes; a new park and improvements to green spaces; crime prevention measures; highways improvements and road improvements.

Planning officers say no decision will be made without extensive consultation with residents and businesses affected by the plans.

Councillor Dave Arrowsmith, cabinet member for urban regeneration and regional planning said: "We have reached a very exciting point and now we have a plan to show local people.

"We have put this plan together so that it meets the needs and aspirations of the community for a better environment and improved services."

* The plans are on show at Charter Primary School in Mitchell Avenue, Canley, between 4pm and 7pm today (Friday), and from 10am to 4pm tomorrow.